Center consoles have dominated boat shows for the past few years, but the dual console — with its bow-to-stern seating and starboard sit-down helm — has grown in popularity, as well. Boston Whaler’s new 320 Vantage is the largest model in the builder’s lineup of dual consoles, joining the 230 and 270 Vantage.
With these boats, the focus is on seating, storage and a deck layout that’s conducive to everything from barbecuing to swimming to water sports.
“The standout characteristic on this boat has to be the seating and its versatility,” says Jeff Vaughn, Boston Whaler vice president of sales, marketing and customer service. “There’s a comfortable, convenient place for everyone on board.”
The two port-side settees morph into several configurations, including a forward- or aft-facing double seat or a sunpad. The forward seat, across from the helm, rises and lowers under electric power. And there’s wraparound seating in the bow. In the cockpit, a bench seat folds out as its backrest rises for the best ergonomic position, says Vaughn. “Many backrests are uncomfortable because they are far too low,” he says.
The port and starboard console compartments hold a convertible berth and a head, respectively. A cockpit “utility center” houses a sink, cooler and storage, plus an optional grill and refrigerator. A dive door is standard. “You’ll pay $12,000 to $15,000 on other boats for that option,” says Vaughn.
The 320 Vantage is a new boat from the keel up. “All of our Vantage boats are designed to be dual consoles,” says Vaughn. “We did not take a walkaround and turn it into a dual console.”
Most boats will be powered with twin Mercury Verado 300s, says Vaughn, but the boat can take up to 700 horses. With a pair of 350 Verados, the 320 gets 1.22 mpg at just under 34 mph. Standard equipment includes a windlass, hardtop, trim tabs and a porcelain VacuFlush electric head.
SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 32 feet, 1 inch
BEAM: 10 feet, 4 inches
WEIGHT: 8,900 pounds (dry, no engines)
DRAFT: 1 foot, 10 inches
STANDARD POWER: twin 250-hp Mercury Verados (300- and 350-hp optional)
SPEED: 51 mph top, 34 mph cruise (with 350s)
TRANSOM DEADRISE: 21 degrees
TANKAGE: 275 gallons fuel, 30 gallons water, 6.5 gallons waste
PRICE: $270,350 (with 250s)
CONTACT: Boston Whaler, Edgewater, Florida,
(877) 294-5645.
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May 2015 issue
